Online Network Security Degree Programs

The goal of the online network security degree is to prepare students to be able to defend computer networks against fraud, phishing, scamming, fraud, etc by protecting information and data on secure networks.

With the large amounts of data and information that organizations store electronically, secure networks are critical for all businesses and agencies of all sizes. Accredited network security education programs prepare students to be in a position to prevent and solve network security issues. To be successful, network administrators must stay ahead of the internal and external security threats that are on the increase. Hence, security and disaster recovery have become a part of the fundamental components of network administration. This requires students to develop both practical applications and theoretical knowledge in order to be able to assure secure sharing information in addition to designing and developing security protocols and systems, and troubleshooting and correcting existing network systems.

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Selected Online Network Security Degree Programs

Strayer University

• Bachelor of Science in Information Systems - Internetworking Technology

Colorado Technical University Online

• Bachelor of Science in Information Technology - Security
• Master of Science in Management - Information Systems Security

• Bachelor of Science in Information Technology: Major in Systems Security

American Sentinel University

• Bachelor of Science, Computer Science

• MBA in Information Security Management
  

American InterContinental University Online

• Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) - Computer Forensics
• Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) - Internet Security

Virginia College

• Master of Science - Cybersecurity

Kaplan University - Online

• B.S. in Information Technology/Network Administration

ECPI College

• Network Security - Associate
• Network Security - Bachelor
• Information Technology / Networking and Security Management
• IT / Networking and Security Management

Everest College of Business, Technology and Health Care

• Network and Security Specialist

Herzing University

• AS in Computer Network and Security Technology
• AS in Computer Networking and Security Technology
• BS in Computer Science with concentration in Computer Networking and Security Technology
• BS in Technology Management with minor in Computer Networking and Security Technology

High-Tech Institute

• Computer Networking and Security

Rasmussen College

• Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems - Network Security and Forensics

Utica College

• Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity - Information Assurance

• B.S. in Information Technology - Security
• M.S. Information Security and Assurance

Network Security Education and Training

Network security college requirements may include online network security degree courses in computer software and hardware, computer forensics, database administration, data encryption, firewalls intrusion detection, etc.

Online network security degree classes may also include foundation in computer programming, computer operations, and data communications. In addition some network security programs may require students to take courses in telecommunication, computer operation security, computer and technology law.

Students also gain practical skills that include designing, installing, configuring and maintaining enterprise-wide networks. This can be achieved in courses network administration, various computer operating systems, design, local area networks (LAN) and wide area networks (WAN), and private and public network interfacing.

Network Security Careers

With an online network security degree, entry-level positions in network security may include working as an assistant network administrator or a support specialist. With a master?s degree in network security or network administration, and professional experience, one can work in executive IT management positions and senior network management.

Network security professional work to protect networks of computers, office equipment, software, and stored data, unauthorized modification, loss, and damage. To ensure information security, network security administrators use various technologies such as data encryption, network password protection, firewalls protection, intrusion detectors, storage devices, anti-virus programs, etc.

• Database administrators: Responsible for managing and protecting data
• Computer security specialists: Focus on computer security for an organization
• Computer system administrators and network administrators: Oversee network security
• Computer systems analysts: Use their technical abilities to meet the needs of their client or industry

Expected Salary and Projected Career Growth

Graduates with an associate's, bachelor's, or graduate degree in an area of information technology have higher prospects of gaining employment with organizations that are hiring network security specialists. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that it is beneficial to have other skills such as communication, business management, and interpersonal skills in addition to technical and analytical skills. This can be earned through an online network security degree and related network security courses and electives in business.

The United States BLS reports that network and computer systems administrators earn about $65,000 a year. Network systems analysts make about $68,000 while computer systems analysts earn a median salary of over $73,000. For advanced positions for example computer system management positions, annual income can go up to $108,000 and above. This would require earning either an accredited campus or online network security degree,